ZGF partnered with Google to transform the landmark Spruce Goose Hangar. A 450,000+ SF, four-level “building-within-a-building” was developed inside the seven-story, 750-foot-long historic wooden structure. Built by Howard Hughes in 1943 for the construction of the Hercules IV airplane (the “Spruce Goose”), the hangar now comprises office, meeting, event spaces, and employee amenity spaces. Located between two existing Google sites, the client sought to unify their Playa Vista campus and bring a fresh perspective to workplace design through the venue’s adaptive reuse.
Given the nature of the client organization and the history of the building, the project demanded a unique design approach and the extensive restoration of the original wood frame. The new architecture is set within the vast, open volumes of the hangar on either side of its restored central spine, which divides the building lengthways. An iterative exploration between design team and client resulted in a dynamic configuration of open floor plates that are pulled away from both the interior envelope and the central spine. The varied shaping of each floor allows daylight to penetrate every level and maintains clear sight lines spanning the full length of the building.
Circulation routes are intended to increase interaction, with a boardwalk that wraps the perimeter of each floor plate, while bridges pass through the central spine and weave the length of each level. The materiality of the new interior architecture is subdued. Color and texture are introduced via the hand-selected and often custom-made furnishings, complimenting the vibrant art installations.
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